For most people, mucus is considered to be a bad thing. It's commonly associated with respiratory infections as well as more chronic conditions such as cystic fibrosis, ulcerative colitis, and even cancer. But, this thick composite is an integral part of our anatomy, providing both lubrication and protection to internal cells exposed to the environment.

One particular consequence of an altered circadian rhythm is altered glucose utilization leading to increases in weight gain, obesity and even diabetes. The reason for this has been examined at the molecular level and some paths to problems have been elucidated.

It's amazing what we do to maintain oral health. We brush our teeth, floss those gums, swirl mouthwash, endure whitening strips, and even suck on myriad different breath fresheners. All the while we hope to keep our dentists happy with our efforts. Now another option to help keep our teeth white and our breath pleasant has emerged: probiotic gum.

The benefit of probiotic bacteria on the brain could eventually lead to more specialized probiotics designed specifically to help improve learning and memory. While these products may be years away, parents can take advantage of what has already been learned to help their children today.

The value of good germs has been known for decades. This was epitomized last month when an international group of researchers illustrated how the use of genetically modified probiotics could prevent chronic disease. Using only a specifically designed bacterium, they could prevent obesity in mice giving them a healthier life.

Most of us have experienced at one time or another that rumble in the gastrointestinal jungle. But there is a darker side to these maladies manifesting at the microbial level. Though we may not feel these consequences in the short term, research has shown there may be more difficult times down the road.

The lactobacillus species is one of the most researched. Among the lactobacillus family is one particular strain, lactobacillus GG (also known as Culturelle), which has solid research backing up its use for acute diarrhea, traveller's diarrhea, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and colic.

Though the atmosphere has apparently stabilized and winter will soon be gone for yet another year, for millions of people, this is no time to breathe easy. In the next few weeks, a new kind of trouble will emerge. Dubbed the 'pollen vortex' this rare springtime phenomenon will leave allergy sufferers just as miserable and clambering for the indoors.

While the goodness of chocolate may appear to be solely based on cacao, recent research has revealed another player -- actually trillions of them -- in the contribution to better health. The collection of bacteria in the gut, known as the microbiota, plays a distinct role in ensuring the chocolate you eat will leave you happy and healthy.

It's an age-old search: the secret to eternal youth. For centuries, the dream of a single factor that may increase our lifespan has been at the forefront of many legends, excursions, and of course, advertising campaigns. The answer, however, may lie not in water, food or lifestyle, but in our relationship with germs.

After just one month of receiving bacterial supplementation, babies were already showing less crying time and more regular bowel movements. By the end of the 90 days, even the effect of gastric reflux had been improved.

A collaboration of over 20 American researchers found a possible answer although at first glance, it seemed ludicrous. The team looked at the bacteria in the gut of both normal and autistic children in the hopes of identifying any changes. Indeed, there were.

While the overall success of chemotherapy is rising, the challenge of the double-edged sword with respect to the immune system has led scientists to wonder if the side effects can be resolved by good germs. Last week, the answer was revealed -- at least in mice.
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A new study out this week suggests that a third environment could become the next hotbed for antibiotic resistance. This one, however, may take the world by shock and signal that the end for antibiotics is indeed nigh. That resistance contributing environment is you, the human; specifically, your gut.

The incidence of waterborne infections from the home water supply is rare but this trend of infection due to biofilm formation in the plumbing is showing up not only in the home but also in our travels and in our healthcare leaving many either infected or worse.

What is your gut instinct telling you about probiotics? Do you need more information? You're not alone. Over the past decade, dietitians and gastroenterologists have been discovering exciting new findings about probiotics, the gut and health. Here are my top five facts that will help you understand probiotics.

The date was 2004, and the setting a hospital in Quebec. When BI/NAP1/027 struck, the world was taken aback by an incredible ferocity that infected over 1,700 people and left hundreds dead. But this was only the beginning as TCD and BI/NAP1/027 have since spread worldwide. But what can be done to stop this rogue germ agent?

Many a farmer and researcher have searched for ways to preserve shelf life. A small group of people have learned that in order to beat the bugs, they need to incorporate not chemicals or cooling but a collection of microbes that can not only keep food safe, but also keep it tasty for ages.

We've all been there. A question arises and you know the answer and yet, even though it might be on the tip of your tongue, you just can't seem to grasp it. Unveiling how memories are formed, retained and recollected has been one of research's greatest challenges. Germs however, may have already solved the riddle.

These days we are constantly bombarded by commercial messages urging us to fight germs and rid ourselves of bacteria. But in the right places and amounts, bacteria are actually very valuable to our health and wellness.